The Scott Road Comp Boa is a comfortable, stable, mid-priced cycling shoe that has some nice features you typically find on more expensive models. Scott aimed to create a shoe that was stiff enough to blast power from your feet to the pedals, yet comfy enough to wear all day without costing a fortune. The brand makes three versions of the shoe, each with a different closure: one with a Boa system, one with three Velcro straps, and one with laces. There's also a women's version that comes with a Boa system or Velcro straps.

The Road Comp lace version is the lightest of the options, weighing just 270 grams. Image courtesy of Scott

Scott is better known for its mountain bikes, but the Swiss brand also makes helmets, apparel, and lots of shoes—44 different road and mountain bike models. The Road Comp sits at the lower end of the road price range, but you can see and feel the company’s shoe experience in this model. At just $120, the Road Comp is a strong value that offers similar performance features but weighs less than some competitors (270 to 295 grams per shoe, depending on the closure.)

How the Road Comp Fits
The Road Comp is versatile—firm enough for hard efforts and maybe even some races, but also comfortable enough to wear on longer, lazy rides. The soft and flexible polyurethane upper conforms to the foot well.

The shoe’s stock insoles are firm yet comfortable, with some arch support and a small metatarsal button that is raised just under your foot. Both feel supportive and can help relieve foot fatigue on longer rides. Venting over the forefoot lets in a high volume of air. We tested the shoe only on cold winter days, but it should help keep toes cool on warm days.

The Road Comp Boa Closures
Closures are a matter of personal preference, and Scott offers an option for everyone. For most riders, the Boa closure may be the best option. A small dial tightens a thin cord across the top of the forefoot, making it easy to slip the shoe on and cinch it down. Laces are lighter and can offer a more custom-like fit, but they are harder to adjust. Traditional Velcro straps are simple but can create hot spots because the tension is focused in specific areas of the foot.

All three models use the same upper and sole. The lace version is the lightest, at 270 grams per shoe. The Velcro model weighs 285 grams, and the Boa option weighs 295 grams.

The Road Comp also comes in a version with classic, easy-to-use Velcro straps. Image courtesy of Scott

A Comfortably Stiff Sole
Some road shoes, especially expensive ones that deliver low weight and ultrastiff power transfer, use carbon soles. Like most shoes in this price range, the Road Comp uses a nylon and fiberglass sole that is a little softer and slightly heavier but keeps prices low. Still, it’s plenty stiff for most types of riding. Compared to its other models, Scott says the Road Comp's stiffness ranks a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. Serious sprinters who pump out the watts might want a stiffer platform, but most riders will benefit from the nominal flex, which can reduce hot spots and add to the shoe’s comfort.

Overall, not many road shoes offer the Road Comp’s versatility, comfort, performance, and relative low weight at this price. It’s even more rare to find a shoe that comes in multiple closures.

The nylon and fiberglass sole is moderately stiff, and won't kill your feet on long rides. Image courtesy of Scott

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